Toronto Fire Services (TFS), Enbridge Gas and the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council have announced that they are working together to improve home safety and bring fire and carbon monoxide (CO) related deaths down to zero. They are participating in a public education campaign called “Safe Community Project Zero”, a provincial initiative that provides alarms to communities across Ontario.
TFS is pleased to acknowledge Enbridge Gas as an important partner. Enbridge Gas has generously donated 1,008 alarms to TFS, a portion of which will be given to Community Centre 55, an organization that helps Toronto families living in the East End. Centre 55’s Christmas Hamper program will ensure that these alarms are given to families who are most in need.
The contribution of Enbridge Gas comes at a time when families are preparing for many seasonal activities, including heating their homes during the winter. It is essential to be protected by working CO alarms year-round, for those who have fuel burning appliances in their home, and to have working smoke alarms along with a well-practiced home escape plan. Working smoke and CO alarms help provide the early warning needed to safely escape from a house fire or CO exposure. CO is a toxic, odourless gas, which is a by-product of incomplete combustion of many types of common fuels.
More information about emergency preparedness, safety tips and prevention can be found on the City’s website
Quotes:
“Carbon monoxide is known as the ‘silent killer’ for a reason, and we have proof that prevention saves lives. We know the best way to avoid carbon monoxide exposure is to eliminate it at the source, by properly maintaining fuel-burning equipment, and that the alarms are a critical second line of defense to protect against carbon monoxide poisoning.”
– Tracey Teed Martin, Director, Toronto Region Operations, Enbridge Gas
“The objective of Safe Community Project Zero is to deliver combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to Ontario communities who need them most. It’s a program that fire departments can adopt to help educate their communities about the requirement for all Ontario homes to have a CO alarm if they have a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage.”
– Jon Pegg, Ontario Fire Marshal and Chair of the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
“This donation program will provide smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to many families who need these life-saving devices in their homes. Coupled with a practiced home escape plan, they will have the necessary protection they require to stay safe this holiday season.”
– Matthew Pegg, Toronto Fire Chief and General Manager
“For 40 years, Centre 55 has been providing Christmas hampers for hundreds of needy families in Toronto’s East End. This generous donation from Enbridge Gas and Toronto Fire Services will be a welcome addition for these families.”
– Debbie Visconti, Executive Director, Community Centre 55
Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit the City’s website or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Media contacts:
District Chief Paul Catchpole, Toronto Fire Services
416-779-8389
Kathy Ash, Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council
1-866-379-6668 ext. 105
kathy.ash@firesafetycouncil.com
Enbridge Gas Media
1-855-884-5112